‘No, I believe not,’ said Sir Edward;
’we are rather too large a number without the
girls, who really form quite a troop by themselves.’
‘I like to see your daughter and Miss Woodbourne
together,’ said Mrs. Bouverie; ‘I am sure
they must be great allies.’
‘Yes,’ said Sir Edward, ’there is
a tolerably strong cousinly friendship between them:
Anne has a wholesome feeling of inferiority, which
makes her rather proud of her cousin’s preference.’
‘Do you not think Miss Woodbourne very like
her mother?’ said Mrs. Bouverie. ‘I
knew her immediately by the resemblance.’
‘Very—very like her, a little darker
certainly,’ said Sir Edward, ’but she
reminds me of her constantly—there—that
smile is my sister’s exactly.’
Elizabeth had just then re-entered the room, and was
assuring her mamma that Winifred had been as playful
as ever all the remainder of the evening, and was
now fast asleep in bed.
‘I am only afraid she is too fragile and delicate
a creature,’ said Mrs. Bouverie; ‘is her
health strong?’
‘Strong? no, not very,’ said Sir Edward,
’she requires care, but there is nothing much
amiss with her; I know most people about here are
in the habit of lamenting over her as in a most dangerous
state; but I believe the fact is, that Mrs. Woodbourne
is a nervous anxious person, and frightens herself
more than there is any occasion for.’
’Then I hope she generally looks less delicate
than she does to-night,’ said Mrs. Bouverie.
‘Oh! she may well look over-worked to-night,’
said Sir Edward; ’she has a spirit in her which
would not let her rest on such a day as this.—Come
here, Miss Lizzie,’ said he, beckoning to her,
’I want you to account for those two red spots
upon your cheeks. Do you think they ought to
be there ?’
‘Yes, if they come in a good cause, Uncle,’
said Elizabeth.
‘Do you mean, then, to wear them any longer
than necessary?’ said Sir Edward; ‘pray
have you sat still for five minutes together to-day?’
‘Yes, while I was at tea,’ said Elizabeth.
‘And why are not you in bed and asleep at this
moment?’ asked her uncle.
‘That is the very question Mamma has been asking,’
said Elizabeth; ’and I have been promising to
depart, as soon as I can make my escape; so good night,
Uncle Edward—good night,’ said she,
giving her hand to her uncle and to Mrs. Bouverie
with almost equal cordiality.
‘Good night, Lizzie, get you gone,’ said
Sir Edward; ’and if you can carry off my girl
with you, I shall be all the better pleased.’
Elizabeth succeeded in touching Anne’s arm;
and the two cousins flitted away together, and soon
forgot the various delights and annoyances of the
day in sleep.
The next morning was gloomy and rainy, as Elizabeth
informed Anne at about seven o’clock; ‘and
I am not sorry for it,’ said she, ’for
I want to have you all to myself at home, so we will
turn the incubi over to Kate and Helen, and be comfortable
together.’
